Cop-tube holder



June 23, 1936. M WOQD 2,045,433

COP TUBE HOLDER 2 sheets-sheet J. M. WOOD COP TUBE HOLDER Filed April 2o, 1935 June 23, 1936.

Patented June 23, 1936 UNITED STATES 2,045,433 cor-TUBE HOLDER John M. Wood, Cranston, R. I.. assignor Franklin Process Company, Providence, R. I., a corporation of Rhode Island Application April 2o, 1935, serial No. 17,485 23 claims. (c1. 24a-46.3)

The present invention relates to mandrels or holders for cop-tubes and more particularly to holders for cop-tubes of the contractible type embodying a ribbed framework and an outer flexible fabric sheath on which the yarn is wound in layers to form a package for dyeing and otherwise processing the yarn.

Such contractible cop-tubes are illustrated and described in United States Letters Patent No. 974,127 to F. H. Danieli and J. C. Hebden granted November 1, 1910, and Re. No. 13,223 to F. H. Danieli, granted March 28, 1911. These coptubes are widely used to provide an axial support for yarn packages during dyeing and similar treatment by what is known as the Franklin process. In its simplest form the contractible cop-tube comprises a helical coil or wire spring constituting a cylindrical, ribbed framework covered by a sheath or stockinet of reticulated fabric. The `yarn is wound on this type of tube directly upon the sheath or stockinet to form cylindrical or otherwise shaped cops or packages suitable for dyeing and other processes by forcing fluids therethrough.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved mandrel or holder for cop-tubes of the type specified which facilitates the servicing of the winding machine with which it is used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a self-contained cop-tube holder that may be permanently mounted on the spindle of the winding machine and adapted to receive cop-tubes slid over the end thereof.`

Another object of the invention is to provide a cop-tube holder of the type indicated having cooperating elements which are longitudinally ad justable to an open position to receive the coptubel and to a closed position to drivably engage the cop-tube.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cop-tube holder of the type indicated which is adapted for use either with a rotatable spindle or with a non-rotatable r dead spindle.

Another object oi the invention is to provide a cop-tube holder of the type indicated having means resiliently urged into gripping engagement with the ends of the fabric sheath or stockinet on the tube to hold the ends confined and the cop-tube drivably connected with the holder.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cop-tube holder of the type indicated having sliding end-members for gripping the ends of the flexible sheath or stockinet against the ends of the mandrel and means for locking the endmembers in either closed engagement or inopen spaced relation with respect to the ends of the mandrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cop-tube holder of the type indicated which is simple in construction, easily and quickly manipulated to open or close the same and one that is eicient for performing its intended function.

Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes two forms of construction of the device, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a winding machine having a rotating spindle with which is incorporated the novel cop-tube holder of the present.invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the cop-tube holder illustrated in Fig. 1, showingthe end-members as locked in closed relationship with respect to the ends of the mandrel and gripping the ends of the flexible sheath;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the holder with the end-members in open or spaced relationship with respect to the ends of the mandrel to provide ,for applying the cop-tube to or removing it from the holder;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the end portion of the holder taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion ofthe holder taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 2 and illustrating the bayonet lock for'retaining the end-members in closed position;

Fig. 6 is a sectional View similar to Fig. 5 taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 3 and showing the end-member locked in its open position;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the inner end of the holder showing a portion o the gripping means in enlarged detail;

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of part of a drum-driven winding machine incorporating a modified form of cop-tube holder adapted for use with a non-rotatable or dead spindle;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view' of the cop-tube holder illustrated in Fig. 8 showing the end-members locked in closed relationship with respect to the ends of the mandrel and gripping the ends of the flexible sheath;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing the end-members locked in open or spaced relationship with respect to the ends of the mandrel;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view of the end portion of the holder taken on line II-II Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 isa longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the holder shown in Fig. 8 taken on line I2I2 of Fig. 9 to show the means for locking the end-members in closed position; and

Fig. 13 is a sectional view similar to. Fig. 12 taken on line I3I3 of Fig. 10 and showing the means for locking the end-members in open p0- sition.

It has heretofore been proposed to provide a holder for compressible cop-tubes of the type indicatedin which a centrally-positioned cylindrical shell or mandrel is employed with detachable end-members screwed thereinto and having means for gripping and holding the ends of -the flexible sheath or stockinet against the ends of the mandrel. With this form of construction the cop-tube and holder are assembled at a point removed from the winding machine and subsequently attached to the spindle thereof as a unit. When a package hasvbeen wound on the cop-tube the package, cop-tube and holder are all removed from the spindle as a unit and the holder subsequently detached from the package by unscrewing the end-members and Withdrawing the mandrel. These operations of assembling and disassembling the holder and coptube each time a package is wound and its appliy cation to and removal from the machine require considerable time and attention onv the part of the operator or attendant of the machine. Moreover, with this type of holder the separable parts are liable to become misplaced and deformed and as a result are not easily and quickly assembled which interferes with the proper and eilicient operation of the winding machine.

The improvedcop-tube holder of the present invention eliminates the above disadvantages because of its self-contained and unitary structure; its permanent mounting on the spindle with which it cooperates; and the simple manner in which a cop-tube is applied thereto and the tube with the wound package removed therefrom. The improved holder comprises in general a cylindrical shell or mandrel and end-members having means cooperating with the ends of the mandrel to grip the ends of the flexible sheath or stockinet therebetween. Interengaging means are provided between the mandrel and end-members for effecting a driving connection while allowing relative thereof so that the end-members may be spaced from the ends of the mandrel to receive or release the ends of the flexible sheath or stockinet. Locking means are provided for holding the endmembers in closed gripping relation with respect to the ends of the mandrel or in open spaced relation and preferably a. spring is also provided for automatically moving the elements to a closed relationship.

Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates one embodiment of the invention as comprising a cop-tube holder I2 permanently mounted on the rotatable spindle I3 of aiwell known type of winding machine. This view shows a detachable cop-tube I4 'mounted on the holder I2, the cop-tube comprising an inner helical coil or wire spring I5 and an outer flexible sheath or stockinet I6, with a cop or package P of strand material indicated as wound on the tube. The illustrated winding machine forms no part of the present invention and is described only brieily in connection with the mounting of the cop-tube holder a roller 22 on the longitudinal movement engagement of the studs or spindle-extension I3 extends outwardly from a. bearing I'I in the frame o1' the winding machine, being connected for rotation at a high t rate of speed by suitable driving mechanism,

not shown, and provided with a brake-wheel I8 of usual construction for arresting its rotation. During the winding the strand is traversed longitudinally of the cop-tube I4 by a reciprocating thread-guide I9 mounted in a traverse-frame 26 and actuated by a grooved cam 2| which engages guide. A thread-bail 23 on the traverse-frame 20 serves as a rest for the strand as it is traversed bythe thread-guide I 9.

Referring to the enlarged views in Figs. 2 and 3, the cop-tube holder I2 comprises end-members 2 4 and 25 mounted in spaced relation on the spindle I3 and a hollow cylindrical shell or mandrel 26 supported on the end-members concentrically of the axis of the spindle. The endmember 25 is constructed in the form held axially positioned on the spindle I3 by its abutting engagement with the brake-wheel I8 at one end and at the other end by a collar 2l secured to the spindle by a set-screw or other suitable means. The end-member 25 has spaced radially-extending flanges 23 and 29 adjacent. one end for engaging the internal periphery of the hollow mandrel 26 with a close sliding llt. At its other end the member 25 has an annular gripping flange 30 for engaging one end of the mandrel 26.

The end-member 24 is also in the form of a sleeve mounted on the spindle I3 for longitudinal movement in a manner to be later explained and fonned with an annular ilange 3I engaging the internal periphery of the mandrel with a close sliding t. Laterally spaced from the radial flange 3I on the end-member 24 is a gripping flange 32 of frusta-conical shape for engaging the interior edge of the mandrel 26 at its end. The end-member 24 is extended outwardly beyond the gripping flange enlargement or knob 33 having its periphery knurled to provide a hand grip. The diameter of both the ilange 32 and knob 33 are slightly less than the external diameter of the mandrel 26 to provide that-the cop-tube I4 may be slid over this end of the holder.

The hollow cylidrical mandrel 26 may be constructed of any suitable material, preferably of thin-walled tubing, with its inboardv end ilared outwardly to provide a slight radial flange 34 for cooperation with the gripping ilange 30 on the end-member 25. As shown in Fig. 7, the flange 34 also serves as a stop for engaging the end of the helical framework or Wire spring I5 of the cop-tube I4 to properly locate the latter on the holder. The mandrel 26 is longitudinally movable with respect to the end-members and for this purpose is provided with longitudinallyextending slots 35 and 36 which are engaged by pins or studs 31 and 38 extending radially from the end-members 24 and 25 respectively. 'The 31 and 38 with the sides of the slots 35 and 36 provides a driving connection between the end-members 24 and 25 and the ymandrel 26 but allows relative longitudinal movement of the parts. of construction the elements of be moved to the position shown the gripping flanges 30 and 32 of the mandrel 26; or to the the holder may in Fig. 2 where engage the ends position shown in With this form K of a sleeve v 32 and formed with an Y nally spaced from the ends of the mandrel. For convenience of description the relationship of the elements as illustrated in Fig. 2 will be referred to as the closed position of the mandrel and end-members and the relationship illustrated in Fig. 3 as the open position.

'I'he end-member 24 is provided with an internal sleeve 42 fast with a bearing collar 43 at one end which has a free sliding t on a reduced portion 44 of the spindle I3. The sleeve 42 and bearing collar 43 are iixedly secured to the endmember 24 by a dowel-pin 45 so that these elements will rotate as a unit. A second bearing collar 46, similar to the collar 43, is fixed to the outer end of the spindle I3 with its outer periphery slidable within the sleeve 42. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the collar 46 is mounted on a further reduced portion 41 of the spindle I3 and held against an annular shoulder 48 by a nut 49 screwed onto the threaded end of the shaft. The collar 46 is drivably connected with the spindle I3 by a pin 50 fixed in the spindle and projecting into a slot or keyway 5I in the collar. The end-member 24 is thus slidably mounted on the spindle I3 by means of the spaced collars 43 and 46 which with the sleeve 42 form an annular channel or chamber 52 for a compression spring to be later described.

The spindle I3 is drivably connected with the end-member 24 by means of a pin 53 projecting radially from the collar 46 and engaging the edge of a longitudinally-extending slot 54 in the sleeve 42 extending through the bore of the end-member, see Figs. 5 and 6. The slot 54 is formed with laterally-extending notches 55 and 56 disposed in spaced relation on its opposite sides and adapted to cooperate with the pin 53 in the manner of a bayonet joint to lock the end-member 24 in either a closed position as shown in Fig.- 5, or

an open position as shown in Fig. 6. Referring` to Fig. 5, the notch 55 has a curved edge 51 which acts to cam the end-member 24 into engagement with the end of the fabric sleeve I6 overlying the end of the mandrel 26. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, the spindle I3 is intended to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, so that the tendency will be to maintain the pin 53 inv locking engagement with the notch 55 during the continuous winding of the yarn on the coptube. The sleeve 42 has a projection 58 at the side of the notch 55 opposite the curved cam#- face 51 which tends to prevent the release of the pin 53 from the notch when the rotation of the spindle I3 is arrested by applying the brake. The oppositely-directed and longitudinally-spaced notch 56 in the side oi the slot 54 is adapted to receive the driving pin 53 when the end-member 24 is slid outwardly on the spindle and vturned in the direction of rotation of the spindle I3 to lock the end-member 24 in open position.

Means as next described are provided for automatically urging the parts of the holder into closed relationship. A helical spring 59 located in the channel 52 surrounding the reduced portion 44 of the spindle I3 is held under compression between the collars 43 and 46. The spring 59 is normally expanded as shown in Fig. 2 to automatically maintain the parts of the holder I2 in closed relationship with the flanges 32 and 3D on the respective end-members 24 and 25 gripping the ends of the exible sheath or stockinet I6 against the ends of the mandrel 26. The construction and arrangement of one form of the cop-tube holder having now been described in detail, its method of operation will be next explained.

To prepare the holder I2 for receiving a. coptube I4 the end-member 24 is slid outwardly against the action of the spring 59 toA the position shown in Fig. 3 and locked in this, relationship by turning its knob 33 to engage the pin 53 with the lateral notch 56 in the sleeve 42; it being understood that when the winding machine is inoperative the spindle I3 is braked to prevent it from turning. 'Ihis outward movement of the member 24 causes its pin 31 to engage the end of the slot 35 in the mandrel 26 to slide the latter outwardly to a position where the gripping flanges 30 and 32 are spaced away from the opposite ends of the mandrel. A coptube I4 is then applied to the holder by sliding it over the handle or knob 33 and the gripping flange 32 and onto the mandrel 26 until the end of the spring or helical framework I5 brings up against the flange 34, see Fig. '1. The coptube I4 is thus properly located on the holder I2 in the position shown in Fig. 3 with the helical coil or spring I5 embracing the external periphery of the mandrel 26 between its ends. The flexible sheath or stockinet I6, being longer than the spring I5, extends beyond the ends of the mandrel 26 and due to its inherent elasticity its ends are constricted and drawn inwardly across the ends of the mandrel.

The cop-tube I4 is locked in driving engagement with the holder I2 by turning the endmember 24 by means of its knob 33 to release the sleeve 42 from its locked engagement with the pin 53. The spring 59 will then automatically slide the member 24 inwardly on the spindle I3 to move the elements of the holder to a closed position so that the flanges 32 and 36 on the members 24 and 25 will grip the ends of the stockinet against the ends of the mandrel I5 as shown in Fig. 2. The compression spring 59. acting between the collar 46 on the movable endmember 24 and the collar 43 fixed on the spindle I3, rst moves the end-member 24 inwardly until its frusto-conical flange 32 engages the end of the stockinet I6 and grips it against the inner edge of the rim of the mandrel 26. The spring 59 continues this action to move the mandrel 26 bodily toward the gripping ange 30 on the endmember 25 until the opposite end of the stockinet is gripped therebetween. The movement of the mandrel 26 with respect to the end-members 24 and 25 is permitted by the sliding action on the pins 31 and 38 in the slots 35 and 36 so that when the holder is closed the pins are positioned adjacent the inner ends of the slots as shown in Fig. 2. Each end of the stockinet is thus gripped tightly to the mandrel 26 with the parts held in closed relationship by the spring 59 so that a cop, cone or package of strand material may then be wound directly on the outer periphery cf the stockinet as it is held smoothly on its compressible framework I5.

To start the winding operation the strand to be wound is taken from a suitable source, led over the bail 23, through the thread-guide I9 and its end attached to the cop-tube I4. The spindle I3 is started to rotate by manually actuating the control mechanism of the winding machine and upon its initial rotation the driving pin 53 will engage the curved cam-face 51 of the notch 55 on the side of the slot 54 in the sleeve 42, thus tending to tighten the gripping engagement of the flanges 30 and 32 with the ends of the stockinet.v The rotation of the spindle I3 thus causes the pin 53 to be securely engaged with the notch 65 to lock the 'parts in closed relationship while providing a driving connection .between the spindle and end-member 24; the mandrel 26, in turn, being driven by the engagement of the pin -31 with the side of its slot 35. The end-member 25 is also caused to rotate with the mandrel 26 by the engagement of its pin 38 with the side of the slot 36. 'I'he rotation of the mandrel 26 and the cop-tube I4 connected thereto causes the strand to be wound on the tube as it is continuously traversed longitudinally thereof, the winding operation being continued until a package of the desired size has been produced. The rotation of the spindle I3 is then arrested by the disconnection of the driving means and the application of the brake, after which the package is removed in the manner as next explained.

To release the cop-tube I4 the operator grasps the knob 33 and pulls it outwardly while giving it a slight turn in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4. The turning of the end-member 24 releases the pin 53 from engagement with the notch 55 and as the end-member is slid outwardly to open position as shown in Figs. 3 and 6 the pin 53 is engaged with the notch 56 by a further slight turning movement to lock the parts in open position. This operation may be performed very quickly and requires the use of only one of the operators hands. During the longitudinal movement of the member 24 the pin 53 slides in the slot 54 in the sleeve 42 and the pin 31 slides in the slot in the mandrel 26 until it engages the end thereof. After this engagement the mandrel 26 is moved longitudinally by and with the endmember 24 to space it away from the end-member 25 which is held against; axial movement by the collar 21. In this manner'the gripping flanges 38 and 32 are caused to be spaced from the ends of the mandrel 26 to release the ends of the stockinet. 'Ihe wound package may then be removed from the holder I 2 by sliding the cop-tube I4 longitudinally over its outward end. The holder I2 is then in proper, condition to receive another cop-tube applied over its end in the manner as previously explained.

Figs. 8 to 13, inclusive, disclose a form of construction of the invention adapted for use with a winding machine of the drum-driven type and embodying a non-rotatable or dead spindle 65. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the spindle 65 isiswiveled to the end of a swinging arm 64 for movement toward and away from the driving drum 66 which is rotated by suitable means not herein shown. Associated with the driving drum 66 and actuated in synchronism therewith is a reciprocating thread-guide 61 adapted to be traversed longitudinally of the spindle 65 by meas of a rotating cam 68. The cop-tube holder is rotatably mounted on the spindle 65 to support a cop-tube I4 shown in Fig. 8 as having a package of strand material P wound thereon. v

This last-mentioned form of holder differs from that previously described in that theV end-members are journaled on the stationary spindle 65 instead of being rotatable therewith. The inner end-member 69 is generally of the same structure as the end-member 25 previously described, being provided with a bearing sleeve or bushing 10 within'its bore, preferably constructed of cellulosic material impregnated with a lubricant. The bearing sleeve or bushing 10 is fixed to the endmember 69 by a pin 1I and the two elements are held froml axial movement by a flange 12 on the the spindle at the opposite a collar 13 secured to y end. Bearing washers 14 and 15 oi' suitable friction-reducing material are positioned between the ends of the bushing 19 and the flange 12 and collar 13, respectively.

The outer end-member 16 is rotatably mounted on a longitudinally-slotted sleeve 11, similar to the sleeve 42 oi' the first-described embodiment, andthe sleeve 11 is longitudinally slidable on the spindle 65. The end-member 16 iscounterbored to receive a bushing 148 which is preferably of lubricant-impregnated material similar to that of the bushing 10. -At the inner end of the member 16 is a collar 19 secured to the sleeve 11 by a set-screw 84 and at its opposite end is a knurled knob xed to the sleeve by a screw 85. Bearing washers 8I and 82 on the sleeve 11 are positioned between the ends of the member 16 and the knob Bland collar 19, respectively, to relieve the wear.. A tension spring 83 connected at its ends to the collars 13 and 19 by means of screws 86 and 81 acts to slide the sleeve 11 and endmember 16 carried thereon to shift the parts of the holder into closed relationship. A pin 88 projects radially from the spindle 65 into engagement with a longitudinally-extending slot 89 in the sleeve 11, see Figs. 12 and 13, and the slot has spaced lateral notches 90 and 9| on its opposite sides.

In this last-described form of construction of the holder the pin 88 and slot 89 merely serve as the means for locking the parts of the holder in open or closed relationship. As shown in Fig. 12, the notch 98 in the side of the slot 89 has a curved face 92 which extends inwardly from the slot. It will be noted that the notch 90 is positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinally-extending slot 89 from that shown in the previously described construction since the end-member 16 rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 11 and through frictional engagement tends to rotate the sleeve 11 therewith. Referring to Fig. I2, the notch 96 tends to turn toward the pin 88 so that when the curved cam-face 92 engages with the pin it exerts a force to lock the elements of the holder in closed relationship.

The mandrel 93 is of a structure identical with that of the mandrel 26 illustrated in Figs. 1 to '1, being formed with longitudinal slots 94 and 95 engaged by pins 96 and 91 on the end-members 16 and 69 to provide a driving connection therewith while permitting a relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and end-members. The end-members 69 and 16 are provided with gripping flanges 98 and 99 for cooperation spindle 65 at one end and with the ends of the mandrel 93 to grip the fabric sleeve I6 thereagainst. This modified form of cop-tube holder operates in the manner as next explained.

With the parts of the holder in open relationship the cop-tube I4 is applied by sliding it over the endvof the holder to the position illustrated in Fig. 10. I'he sleeve 11 is then turned by the knob 88 to release the notch 9i from engagement with the pin 88 on the spindle 65, after which the spring 83 acts automatically to slide the parts of theholder to closed position with the flanges 98 and 99 on the end-members 69 and 16 gripping the ends of the stockinet I6 against the ends of the mandrel 93 as shown in Fig. 9. 'I'he end of the strand to be wound is attached to the cop-tube I4 and the spindle 65 together with the holder is swung into position to cause the tube to contact with the periphery of the driving drum 66. 'I'he drum 66 is continuously rotated by the driving means of the machine and through its peripheral contact with the cop-tube i4 it drives the mandrel 93 and end-members 69 and-16 as a' unit. The endmember 69 with its bushing 10 rotate on the dead spindle 65 while the end-member 16 rotates on the sleeve 11 which is held from turning on the spindle by the pin 88. The frictional engagement `between the end-member 16 and the sleeve 11 tends to turn the sleevefon the spindle 65 suiliciently to engage the curved cam-face 92 with the pin 88 to securely lock the end-members inengagement with the ends of the sleeve or stockinet I6 folded inwardly across the ends of the mandrel.

'I'he Winding continues until a package has been completed, after which the spindle 65 is moved away from the driving drum 66 by turning it about its pivot on the arm 64. The holder may then be operated manually to releaserthe coptube by turning the knob 80 and sliding the sleeve 11 longitudinally to disengage its notch 90 from the pin 88. The parts of the holder are locked in open position against the tension of the spring 83 by turning the knob 80 to engage the notch SI with the pin 68. The end-member 16 is caused to move longitudinally with the sleeve 11 by the movement of the collar 19 and knob 88 i'lxed to the opposite ends of the sleeve. In turn, the mandrel 93 is caused to move awa;- from the gripping flange 98 on the end-member 69 by the engagement of the pin 96 with the end of the slot 94 in the mandrel. With the parts of the holder locked in open position as shown in Fig. 10 the package may be removed over the end of the holder and a fresh cop-tube applied thereto by repeating the operation previously described.

It will be observed from vthe foregoing that the present invention provides a cop-tube holder lwhich may be 'permanently attached to either a rotatable or non-rotatable spindle to adapt a cop-tube to be quickly applied thereto or removed therefrom by merely sliding it over its end. It will also be observed that when the cop-tube is applied to the holder it is automatically secured in driving engagement with the mandrel by the resilient means which moves the end-members into position to grip the ends of the stockinet against the ends of the mandrel. The invention further provides a simple, compact structure for drivably connecting the spindle and end-members which also acts to lock the parts of the holder in either closed or open position.

The holder of the present invention enhances the eilciency of the winding machine with which it is used by reason of its simple and semi-automatic operation requiring little or no skill on the part of the operator; and by its permanent p mounting which eliminates the necessity of assembling and disassembling the cop-tubes with their holders at a point removed from the machine. Although the improved holder is herein illustrated and described as applied to two particular types ofwinding machines it is to be understood that it may be applied to other types of machines Whether used to wind yarn, Wire, twine or any other material.

While the improved device is herein described and illustrated as embodied in two preferred forms of construction, by way of example, it is to be understood that modifications may be made in the structure and arrangement of its parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

l'. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type elm--l bodying an outer flexible sheath, the combination of a mandrel for receiving the cop-tube, and means permanently connected with the mandrel and adjustable with respect thereto to grip the ends of the sheath against the ends of the mandrel. f

2. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer flexible sheath, the combination of a mandrel for receiving the cop-tube, and end-members permanently connected with the mandrel and normally urged toward the ends thereof to grip the ends of the flexible sheath thereagainst.

3. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a cop-tube holder permanently mounted on the spindle, a cop-tube adapted to be received on said holder and embodying an outer flexible sheath, and self-contained means in the holder for gripping the ends of the flexible lsheath against the holder to secure the cop-tube thereto.

4. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a cop-tube holder permanently mounted on the spindle, a cop-tube having an outer exible sheath, and self-contained means in the holder adjustable into gripping engagement with the ends of the flexible sheath or into spaced relation to release the sheath.

5. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a cop-tube holderv comprising a mandrel permanently mounted on the spindle, a coptube slidable onto the mandrel 86 end-members resiliently urged toward the ends of the mandrel to grip the ends of the flexible sheath thereagainst, said end-members being manually movable with respect to the mandrel to release the ends of the sheath and one of said end-members being of such outside diameter as to permit the cop-tube to be slid axially onto the mandrel.

7. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a cop-tube holder permanently mounted on the spindle, a cop-tube embodying an outer flexible sheath, said tube adapted to be applied to the holder by sliding is over its end, means adjustable for gripping the ends of the flexible sheath to the holder, and means for locking the gripping means in either operative or inoperative position.

8. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer flexible sheath, the combination of a mandrel for receiving the cop-tube, endmembers relatively movable longitudinally of the mandrel and having means for gripping the ends of the flexible sheath, and means for locking the end-members in gripping engagement with the ends of the sheath folded over the ends of the mandrel.

9. In a. holder for cop-tubes of the type em'70 the mandrel, resilient means normally urging 75 the end-members toward the ends of the man;-l drel, and means for locking the .end-members iii gripping engagement with the sheath at the ends of the mandrel.

10. In a holder for cop-tubes embodying an outer flexible sheath, a spindle, end-members 0n said spindle, a mandrel carried on said endmembers, interengaging means on said endmembers and mandrel to provide a driving connection therefor while allowing a relative longitudinal movement therebetween, means on the end-members for gripping the ends of the ilexible sheath against the ends of the mandrel, and resilient means normally urging the end-members into gripping engagement with the ends of the sheath at the endsof the mandrel.

11. A holder comprising a mandrel for receiving a cop-tube embodying an outer flexible sheath, end-members having means for gripping the ends of the flexible sheath against the ends of the mandrel, means for locking the end-members 'in gripping engagement with the ends of the sheath at the ends of the mandrel, said endmembers being manually movable to s'paced relationship with respect to the ends ofthe mandrel to release the ends of the sheath, and means for locking the end-members in spaced releasing position.

12. A holder comprising a mandrel for receiving a, cop-tube embodying an outer ilexible sheath, end-members having means forgripping the ends of the iiexible sheath against the ends of the mandrel, a spring for normally urging the end-members into closed relationship with respect to the mandrel, one ofV said end-members and said mandrel being longitudinallymovable against the tension of the spring to space the end-members from the ends of the mandrel, and means for locking the end-members in either closed or open relationship 'with respect to the mandrel.

13. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer flexible sheath, a spindle, a mandrel on the spindle for receiving the coptube, and end-members on said spindle for cooperation with the ends of the mandrel to grip the ends of the ilexible sheath thereagainst, one of said end-members and the mandrel being longitudinally movable on the spindle to release the cop-tube and said movable end-member be-y ing of no greater diameter than the mandrelv whereby said cop-tube may be applied to and removed from the holderover its end. l y

14. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer ilexible sheath, the combination of a spindle, a mandrel on the spindlev for" receiving the cop-tube, an end-#member for grip-y ping the end of the flexible ,sheathagainst the end of the mandrel, a projection` on the spindle, and said end-member having a notch engaged by said projection for locking the end-member in closed position with respect to the mandrel.

15. In a holder for cop-tubes oi"A the type embodying an outer flexible sheath, the combination of a spindle, end-members permanently mounted on the spindle, a mandrel connected to said end-members for rotation therewith, and means on said end-members for gripping the ends of the ilexible sheath against the ends of th mandrel, said end-members being relatively movable into either closed or open spaced relationship withl respect to the ends of the mandrel.

16. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer exible sheath. the combination an outer flexible of a spindle, a longitudinally movable sleeve on said spindle, an end-member mounted on the spindle and held against axial movement, a second end-member mounted on the sleeve and 1ongitudinally movable therewith, a mandrel mounted on the end-members, means for drivably connecting the mandrel with the end-members While allowing longitudinal movement of the mandrel, and means for locking the end-members in either open or closed position with respect to the ends of the mandrel.

17. In a holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying an outer exible sheath, the combination of a spindle, end-members rotatably mounted on said spindle, one of said end-members being ilxed against axial movement on the spindle and the otherv end-member being longitudinally movable thereon, resilient means for actuating the movable end-member and mandrel to cause the end-members to grip the ends of the sheath against the ends of the mandrel, and means for locking the end-members in either open or closed position with respect to the mandrel.

- 18. I n a device oi the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a mandrel permanently mounted on the spindle, a cop-tube embodying an outer ilexible sheath, said tube adapted to be applied to the mandrel by sliding it over the end thereof, means adjustable for gripping the ends of the flexible sheath against the ends of the mandrel, and means for positively locking the gripping means in gripping engagement with the ends of the ilexible sheath.

19. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a spindle, a mandrel permanently mounted on the spindle, a cop-tube embodying sheath, said tube adapted to be applied to-the mandrel by sliding it over the end thereof, end-members having means for gripping the ends of the ilexible sheath against the ends of the mandrel, one of said end-members and said mandrel being relatively movable longi- -tudinally of the spindle, and means for locking of a spindle, a mandrel rotatably mounted on the spindle and adapted to receive the cop-tube, an end-member for gripping the end of the ilexible .sheath against the end of the mandrel, and

means cooperating with the end-member for locking the latter' in position to grip the end of the iiexible sheath. y

21. Ina holder for cop-tubes of the type embodying'an `outer flexible sheath, the combination of a spindle, a mandrel rotatably mounted `onthe spindle, a'sleeve on the spindle, an endmember onfthe sleeve'cooperating with the end of the mandrel to grip vthe end of the iiexible sheath therebetween, and means for locking the end-member in gripping position, said end-member and mandrel being relatively movable longitudinally of the spindle to release the cop-tube.

22. In combination with the spindle of a winding machine, an axially-extensible holder on the spindle for rotatably supporting a cop-tube of the type embodying an outer ilexible sheath, said holder comprising a driven mandrel, end-members relatively movable longitudinally of the mandrel to grip or release the ends of the sheath folded over the ends of the mandrel, and means for holding the end-members in gripping engagement with the ends of the ilexible sheath.

23. In combination with the spindle of a Windthe ends of the sheath folded over the ends of the mandrel, and resilient means between the l end-members for holding them against the ends of the mandrel to grip the ends of the exible sheath thereagainst.

, JOHN M. WOOD. 

